CHICAGO (WLS) — An exciting new exhibit celebrating Disney’s 100th anniversary opens this Saturday in Chicago.
It’s called Disney100: The Exhibition.
The exhibition features rarely seen treasures from the Walt Disney Archives are being showcased in Chicago.
Disney100: The Exhibition will open this weekend at the 35,000 square foot exhibition hub art center formerly known as the Windy City Field House in Bucktown.
“The company just turned 100 years old October 16, so really, really want this exhibition to be for everyone,” Matthew Adams, manager of exhibitions for the Walt Disney Archives. “There’s something for everyone from young kids to the oldest kids.”
The ticketed exhibition opens this Saturday which is a special date since it’s Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse’s birthday.
Guests will experience ten immersive galleries with visual, audio and interactive elements.
They can also take a look at more than 250 unique and rarely seen works of art, artifacts, memorabilia, costumes and props.
“Being able to see a lot of these little bits of movie magic up close is a real special treat, and even for us as archivists when we get to see them and handle them it’s one of the most special things of my job,” Kelvin Kern, Walt Disney regional archives manager said.
The city of Chicago plays an important role in Disney history. Walt Disney himself was born in the Hermosa neighborhood.
Chicago provided him with the inspiration for the project that eventually became known as Disneyland Park.
This new exhibition a love letter to him and Disney fans.
“You’re instantly transported and one thing I like to tell people about the Walt Disney archives,” Adams said. “We’re the keeper of your childhood memories.”
While this museum is a look back on Disney history, it’s also a look ahead.
“The story is not over there’s so much more to come in the future, so that’s what we hope you walk away from the experience with,” Kern said.
Visitors can explore seldom viewed works of art including visual development drawings for “Sleeping Beauty” (1959), created by artist and Disney Legend Marc Davis.
There will also be a very special piece of art from “Mary Poppins” (1964), which can also be seen in the opening titles of “Mary Poppins Returns” (2018), created by artist and Disney Legend Peter Ellenshaw will also be on display.
Also included in the experience are some of the iconic props from various films such as the Mad Hatter’s teapot from “Alice in Wonderland” (2010); the poisoned caramel apple from “Enchanted” (2007) used by Timothy Spall and Amy Adams; and the dinglehopper from “The Little Mermaid” (2023) used by Halle Bailey.
The city of Chicago plays an important role in the Disney story: Walter Elias Disney was born in Chicago’s Hermosa neighborhood. He purchased his first motion picture camera in Chicago; attended McKinley High School, where he divided his attention between drawing and photography; and attended night classes at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts. Chicago provided inspiration for the project that eventually became known as Disneyland Park, by way of the Chicago Railroad Fair.
The exhibit is scheduled to be open throughout the holiday season and into 2024.
The Exhibition Hub Art Center is located at 2367 W. Logan Blvd.
The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of this ABC station.